It’s no surprise that there’s an expectation of perfection in K-Pop. But CORTIS unapologetically keeps it real with their debut EP COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.
There’s a need for authenticity and rawness in the ever-evolving K-Pop genre. CORTIS answers this demand by being producers and creators first, before being idols. Before working on their debut EP, CORTIS have already been part of other big projects. They’ve had a hand at in the production of viral songs such as ILLIT’s ‘Magnetic’, and even have credits in TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ‘Deja Vu’. COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES is their big group project.
Here’s a refreshingly rebellious group of teenagers building not just a brand, but also a dream team who push and pull each other in different directions, all towards a shared goal. They’re almost reminiscent of a neighborhood garage band wanting to put their names out there, and just happen to make use of the K-Pop formula.
We have Martin, the insanely talented producer and composer, and the group’s leader. Then we have James, who leads the team in dance and choreography. There’s Juhoon, the one you can’t keep your eyes off when he’s on stage. Seonghyeon, the group’s lyricist and creative mind. And finally Keonho, the maknae and rookie filmographer.
CORTIS’s debut EP is an unfiltered, personality-driven, genre-blended record in motion, giving their listeners an honest introduction to their brand.
1. GO!
The first track is a hard-hitting intro that begs for your attention. The boys give us a hyperpop tease without fully stepping into the genre, still committing to the trap and hip-hop elements that exist throughout the album. ‘GO!’ is rebellious and carefree, and the best track that captures their personalities, and let’s listeners know their identity. During their music camp in L.A., there were a lot of disagreements and clashing opinions for the lyrics of the track, but ‘GO!’ is also how each member learned how to work with one another and synergise as a team.
2. What You Want
After long and grueling creative and production sessions, CORTIS has trouble figuring out what their lead single should be. No sounds felt like, and the lyrics they wrote fell far from inspiration. After instead writing about their desires in a straightforward manner, ‘What You Want’ was born.
’What You Want’ is what happens when you step out of ‘GO!’s purview by sprinkling in some alternative rock into the hip-hop elements. Nothing screams teenager more than this track! They pretty much knew this was the lead single they wanted.
3. FaSHioN
This track is much closer to home. And by home, we’re talking about the South Island. Recently, a video went viral of a K-Pop group doing a music video in Christchurch, and ‘FaSHion’ was that music video. The song was also filmed in one of the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island, and like every visitor of our beautiful country, they were awe-struck in seeing sights they never knew existed.
‘FaSHion’ is the track that leans the most to hyperpop elements. The song is meant to be a vibe, and was written purely about the members’ vintage shopping experiences. But that’s also what makes the song such a banger, because it’s simply spontaneous and fun.
4. JoyRide
Another proud South Island track, ‘JoyRide’ was filmed around Mt. Vernon Park. The boys couldn’t get enough of seeing all the sheep. Here they also experienced New Zealand’s four seasons in a single day, with filming looking either very wet or very sunny.
Much like our erratic weather patterns, ‘JoyRide’ is a more emotional mellow R&B track that could almost fit into an earlier Post Malone setlist. One listen feels like a ride into the sunset, and the vocals of the track are dreamy and addictive.
5. Lullaby
‘Lullaby’ was pretty much a single take music video of CORTIS relaxing and chilling by a swimming pool, and the song they loved writing the most. ‘Lullaby’ was born out of relaxation, and reflects the need to sit back after working so hard. Per Martin, the song was inspired by seeing all the members sleeping on a sofa. It’s lyrically heavy and more introspective, and is the album’s designated slow song.
CORTIS’s debut EP COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES is a statement that redefines the next generation of K-Pop. The self-titled EP embraces the rough edges of music which is guaranteed to make the boys stand out. If you want to know more about them, you can check out their YouTube documentary!
